Tech in the SouthHere’s how CopterPIX relocated north with the help of the IDF
Tech in the South
Here’s how CopterPIX relocated north with the help of the IDF
The drone manufacturing company needed to move north following the Hamas massacre on October 7.
“[CopterPIX] started in Kibbutz Karmia, which means that all founders and the first set of employees are from the South of Israel,” explained the company. “When the company won the biggest tender from the MoD for next-generation drones, it recruited manpower first from local areas such as Ashkelon, Sderot, Kibbutz Zikim, Karmia, Nir-Am, Ntivot, Beer-Sheva, etc.”
The company joined CTech for its new ‘Tech in the South’ series exploring how enterprises located near the Gaza Envelope were impacted by 7/10. In the days following the attack, CopterPIX relocated its factory to the Timorim Industrial Area with the help of one of its customers, the IDF.
“It is not the best option but that's how we can operate and help the IDF produce our drones for their operations in the day and night,” it added.
You can learn about the company and its journey since 7/10 below:
Company Name: CopterPIX Ltd.
Location: Ashkelon
Sector: Drones manufacturing / UAV
Founder Bio: Alon Svirsky, CEO; Eli Sayag, COO; Ronen Diker, CTO; Elad Shuman, Chief Pilot.
Year of Founding: 2014
Total Investment (to date): $6m
Investors: Haargaz Group, Teditel Ltd.
Number of Employees: 36
Open Positions: N/A
Website and Socials: http://copterpix.pro
Product/Service Description:
A world leader in the development and manufacturing of autonomous, multi-rotor UAV solutions, CopterPIX is the IDF’s exclusive provider of drones up to 25kg MTOW (maximum takeoff mass) till 2027.
CopterPIX has a strong track record in providing high-performing and reliable multi-rotor drones for a variety of applications including military and commercial use. Our Drones performed complex missions in fully operational and challenging conditions.
CopterPIX drones deliver at least 30% longer flight time / carry a heavier payload than any commercial platform - due to CPX (our open framework platform). It can easily integrate third-party hardware and software. All are made possible by a world-class team together with high-end proprietary technology.
CopterPIX is a well-positioned leader in the UAV industry with a strong focus on developing cutting-edge technology and providing customized solutions for its clients.
Why is your company located in the south? Please describe your decision and its advantages.
It started in Kibbutz Karmia, which means that all founders and the first set of employees are from the South of Israel. When the company won the biggest tender from the MoD for next-generation drones, it recruited manpower first from local areas such as Ashkelon, Sderot, Kibbutz Zikim, Karmia, Nir-Am, Ntivot, Beer-Sheva, etc.
We think it's very important to have high-tech R&D and production options here, not just in the center of the country, and to give better opportunities to local talents who want to stay and live their lives in this great area. The advantage for companies is that you can get great talent for a fair cost and small support from the government for future funds/tenders.
How did the events of October 7 impact operations?
We stopped working for a week and then with the help of the army, we moved the entire factory to the Timorim Industrial Area (which is the premises of our investor, Haargaz Group). We now occupy approximately 20% of the original area in Ashkelon, so some offices moved there, with approximately 30% of employees (those who were not on reserve duty) working from home. It is not the best option but that's how we can operate and help the IDF produce our drones for their operations in the day and night.
How was the idea born?
CopterPIX started as an aerial operator, but since any kid can purchase a drone for nothing and do this without licenses or certified pilots, we moved in 2018 to produce the best drones in the market to have a significant edge over the competition - and succeeded with that.
Does the product exist already? If not - at what stage is it and when is it expected to hit the market?
Yes, all products exist and we market them all the time, which is very difficult to do in Israel due to many DECA regulations...). We have one product in R&D, our RHINO drone which is the world's first Hybrid Parallel drone that enables 25-50kg payload pickup for two hours and 50-100km distance.
Who are the main competitors in this sector and how big are they?
In the Infrastructure and military segments, there's no one leader as Chinese drones are banned from the entire Western world, so the market is fair game for everyone. There is Skydio from the U.S., and India produces drones (for their local markets) and might be considered non-direct competitors.
What needs to be done to promote the tech and innovation sector in this region of Israel?
Give the option for more subsidiaries to live in the area, and more high-tech zones/companies will be there. Then more talents will be willing to move and work there.
‘Tech in the South’ is a new CTech series highlighting Israeli startups who are located in the Gaza Envelope (within 7km from the border) following the Hamas Massacre on 7/10. Companies from the region are invited to complete this form to share their insights and experiences for CTech and its audience.
